//
Known mostly for the Miljoenenlijn steam train, which originates here, Simpelveld is a small city in the South Limburg region, in the Dutch province Limburg. Also, in 1930 the so-called "Sarcophagus of Simpelveld" was discovered here.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Museum de Schat van Simpelveld
A few nuns still remain in this monastery, right in the middle of the town. Clara Fey, who founded the congregation of the Sisters of the Poor Child Jesus, is buried in the chapel. When the German congregation had to flee Aachen due to the kulturkampf in the late 19th century, Simpelveld became the world headquarters. Several of the buildings are listed rijksmonuments. As of September 2020, the building houses a museum, Museum de Schat van Simpelveld, showcasing monastic life.
Just behind the city hall and the Loreto monastery lies a park called the "Hellingbos". Originally part of the monastery grounds and gardens, it used to hold a cemetery and chapel. Nowadays, the Stations of the Cross remain the main sights in the park, which makes a tranquil place to linger or just walk around.
The real sarcophagus is part of the collection of The Dutch National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, but a really good replica can be found at the city hall.
This former monastery was founded in 1892 by followers of the canonized Belgian father Damian. Nowadays, it is a conference centre with some 49 rooms for group accommodation and individual travellers.
The Neo-Romanesque church was built in the 1920s but it is the church interior that is of significant historic value and therefore listed as a national heritage site. It's usually open, just don't go sight-seeing when a mass is in progress as it will not be appreciated.
Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij
Take a ride through the southern part of Limburg on this classic steamtrain ride. See the marvels and beauty of this part of the Netherlands cross high bridges and see some great cities on the way. The Simpelveld train station serves as a headquarter for the ZLSM and doubles as small museum. .
As in most small towns in the South Limburg region, many travelers use Simpelveld as a base for hiking and biking in the area. Simpelveld has a number of very suited routes. Head to the "Nature Transferium Poort Mergelland" on the edge of town. It is the main tourist information point and forms a starting point for many routes. Here you can rent a number of bikes (including motorized ones) and buy maps. If you've really been working out, they even offer use of a shower for bikers.
One of the most popular "fritures" around. The place can be crowded, mostly with take-away customers, but the waiting time to order is usually no more than 5 or 10 minutes.
The local grill and pizza place is run by an Egyptian owner and is open till late. It's not the most romantic place but there is plenty of place to sit and the service is friendly. If you're in a chalet, they also deliver. Pizza days are Tu W, with all pizzas for €5.75
Snack & Dine 't Pastorieke
A more cosy "friture" so sit, serving all the standard dishes. They also offer good value complete menus, with schnitzel or steak, fries and salad for around €10. They also offer bread rolls for under €5. Closed M Tu.
Located outside the village centre, next to the Bungalow park and Natuurtransferium. The food gets good reviews and the service is friendly.
This place has been around for long, with quality going up and down over time. It seems is popular, and is next to the church.
This restaurant location has changed hands several times over the past few years but now houses a modern ice-cream, lunch and dinner place. It's popular enough, also because of its location on the edge of the market square. Dinner plates includes pastas, steaks, and fried fish. Prices vary (€12-25).
Surely the best restaurant in town, and the only one that allows for a splurge. Bellevue offers nice food and a pretty view over Simpelveld and its surroundings. On a sunny day, find a place on the outdoor terrace.
This is one of the town's oldest bars. During carnival, it's adjoining party centre becomes the town's main place to be.
The park has been renovated and offers quite nice views over the surrounding area. They offer several kinds of holiday homes, ranging from 2- to 8-person ones, all with private facilities. Prizes drop in low season, when even single-night stays can easily compete with hotel rates in the area. There's a small shop for basic supplies, open in the evening hours.
Part of the best restaurant in town, this place has a few apartments for rent and often some good arrangements to offer if you would like to sleep ánd dine here. The apartments are equipped with a small kitchen and private bathroom facilities. The restaurant is not open for breakfast, so you'll have to self-cater or head into the village. As the name suggests, this hill-top place has a very nice view over the surroundings.
This former farm has been turned into a B&B/holiday house complex. It's showing signs of wear and tear but the service is friendly and for the price, it's a fair deal. You can choose between simple bed and breakfast rooms and fully furnished apartments with kitchens. There's plenty of playing opportunities for the kids and, on the edge of town, you walk straight into the fields if you're up for a walk.
This small, family-run place on the outskirts of the village makes for a pleasant stay and a good base for those who want to explore the region. The rooms are simple but well-maintained and have private bathrooms. Discounts are possible when you stay multiple nights. Breakfast is included in the price.
By train
Although the village has a train station, that is now only used for the touristic Miljoenenlijn and has no regular connection to the Dutch railway system.
By bus
From Heerlen, either bus 20 or 26 to Kerkrade or bus 21 to Aachen will serve you well, taking about half an hour to 45 minutes to get you from the Heerlen main station to Simpelveld.
By plane
The nearest airport is Maastricht-Aachen Airport (MST), with some international destinations.
As Simpelveld is a small place, you'll be mostly able to make your way on foot in the center. However, to explore the outskirts or nearby villages, a bike or car is a good option.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Maastricht · International · MST
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Simpelveld and Netherlands.
Travel tipsUnderstand travel insurance for a Schengen visa in 2026. Learn mandatory €30,000 medical coverage, zero deductible rules, and embassy-approved policies.
7 min read
Travel tipsEstimate your Europe trip cost for 2 weeks in 2026. Compare realistic budgets for lodging, Eurail trains, dining, and sightseeing across three styles.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsUnderstand the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the €20 ETIAS travel authorisation, who needs each, and how to avoid long airport border queues.
6 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.